Staff Writer
The World Food Programme (WFP) has called for immediate anticipatory measures over the next three months as Zimbabwe faces potential economic and social disruptions from a forecasted El Niño event.
Speaking during a media briefing in Harare, WFP Country Director for Zimbabwe Barbara Clemens warned that historically severe El Niño cycles bring below-normal rainfall and elevated temperatures.
“Historically, strong El Niño events have often been associated with low normal rainfall and higher than average temperatures across Zimbabwe and much of the region. This combination increases the risk of drought, water shortages, crop failure, livestock losses and rising food insecurity,” she said.
To protect humanitarian operations against expected market shocks, the UN agency is moving to secure early supply contracts to lock in food prices before scarcity drives up procurement costs.
Clemens noted that severe market inflation during drought periods can erode the purchasing power of cash-based assistance programs, making pre-negotiated long-term supply agreements necessary to sustain daily nutritional needs.
The UN’s response framework aligns with the government’s updated summer drought mitigation strategy, which coordinates risk-reduction protocols across agriculture, water management, livestock preservation, health, and social protection.
Managed through the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office alongside the Department of Civil Protection and line ministries, the strategy prioritises early action and traditional community resilience practices to cushion rural populations before severe climate impacts materialise.
Discover more from CLIMATE BRIEF
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
